Police Seek Suspects In “Road Rage” Assault

WARREN (WWJ) – Warren Police are looking for two men who they say beat another motorist in an incident they are labeling road rage.

Warren Police Lt. Dan Beck said 50-year-old Dennis Lafata was driving along Schoenherr Road Monday evening when he noticed a pick up truck swerving in front of him.

At the light at Martin Road, Lafata said he pulled up next to the truck and told the driver he shouldn’t cut people off. Lafata told police the driver then spat at him and drove on. At the next light, Lafata claims the pick up truck rammed his vehicle. The victim then said he got out of his car and the incident escalated.

“(They) began yelling profanities at the victim. Then, once of the suspects approached the victim and began punching him repeatedly in the head,” Beck told WWJ’s Marie Osborne.

Lafata, who is gay, told the Detroit News that the assailants had shouted homophobic slurs, adding that he is battered and bruise following the attack.

Lt. Beck said police are looking for a 2011 Dodge Ram pickup either white or black, and two white men in their 20’s, about 5’9” tall and 180 pounds.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Warren Police.